Obituaries November 1, 2013

BLUE SPRINGS – Linda Poe Covington, 65, of Blue Springs died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center after a long illness.

Linda was born on Nov. 21, 1947, in New Albany to William F. “Dub” and Irene Gilliam Poe. She was a graduate of Potts Camp High School, and a long time member of Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Blue Springs. Linda spent many years taking care of young people in the cafeterias of W.P. Daniel, Mattie Thompson Elementary School and New Haven School. She also helped build a family business with her husband, sisters and brother at BBC Packaging. She was known for her delicious home cooking, her caring nature and her photographic recall of everyone’s birthdays that always resulted in cards and e-cards with birthday wishes. “Nana” was always glad to read a book, play a game and give loving attention to her grandchildren, her great-nieces and nephews, and many other children over the years. Linda had a “servant’s heart,” and placed the needs of so many others before herself. It was a privilege for those who knew her, especially her husband and family, to be able to care for her in return during an extended battle with illness in the last decade of her life. Linda was never too busy to share a kind word or a sympathetic ear with anyone who crossed her path. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at United Funeral Service Chapel in New Albany with funeral service immediately following, per her request, at 2 p.m. Rev. Dan Hazen, Rev. Bill Everett and Bro. Daryl Weathers will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Dale Covington, Keith Covington, Jonathan Berryhill, Chris Poe, Craig Browning and Kevin Richardson. Interment will be at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Blue Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Christmas Child or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.unitedfuneralservices.com.

Jannie Baskins

WEST POINT – Jannie Lee Baskins, 89. formerly of Houston, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at Clay County Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late Johnny and Mittie Harrison. She was a homemaker and a member of the Pleasant Plain Church. She brought laughter to everyone.

Services will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 2, with the Rev. Michael McGaha officiating. Williams Memorial of Okolona in charge of arrangements.

Survivors are daughters, Ozzie Bell White of St. Louis, Minnie Orr and Barbara Holliday, both of Okolona, Margaret Johnson of Houston, Carolyn Pierce of West Point, Lois Lacey and Joan (Theodore) Moore, all of Houston, Texas, Carolyn (Terry) Young of Aberdeen; sons, Scottie White of Chicago, Charles White of East St. Louis, James W. Baskins of West Point, Darnell Baskins of Houston, U.S. Baskins Jr. (Jean), Johnny Baskins (Debbie) of Woodland; 45 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. today at the Williams Memorial Chapel in Okolona.

Charlie Hoyle

ASHLAND – Charlie B. “Hoot Nanny” Hoyle, 43, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, in Ashland. He was born June 8, 1970, in Tippah County to Frank Hoyle Sr. and Flora Lee Hoyle Malone.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Hardaway M.B. Church in Michigan City with Pastor Randell Woodard officiating. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Ashland. Foster and Son Funeral Home of Ripley is in charge.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Maurice Syms Sr.

RIPLEY – Maurice F. Syms Sr., 75, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by McBride Funeral Home in Ripley.

Services will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 2, at Johnson Creek M.B. Church at Pheba. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Montgomery Mortuary of Houston is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. today.

Robert Walls

HOULKA – Robert Lynn Walls, 59, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was born Dec. 29, 1953. in Vardaman to Junior Lee and Lula May Walls. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He worked as a water well digger for Parks & Parks Water Well services in Houston. He was a Nazarene.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Southern Funeral Chapel in Houston with Bro. Johnny Cherry and Bro. Jim Hewitt officiating. Burial will be in Ellzey Cemetery in Calhoun County.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Collums Walls of Houlka; his mother, Lula May Walls of Houlka; three daugters, Sarah Dick and Josh of Sioux Falls, S.D., Susan Lee and Carrie Anna Walls of the home; two grandchildren, Emersyn and McKenzie Dick of Sioux Falls; his brothers, Phillip Walls of Anchorage, Alaska, and Stanley Walls of Houlka; and a sister Debbie Wright of Houlka.

MANSFIELD, Texas – Queen Esther Brackett Hill, 67, passed away Wednesday, 23, 2013, at her daughter’s residence in Mansfield, Texas. A native of Lee County, she was the daughter of Eddie and Mary Brackett. She was a member of Jerusalem M.B. Church in Nettleton and later St. Paul Outreach M.B. Church in Tupelo. She loved to cook, be with her grandchildren and make other people happy.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Jerusalem M.B. Church in Nettleton. The Rev. Carl Shack will officiate. Burial will be in Jerusalem Cemetery. Kenneth I. Roberson Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

She is survived by a daughter, Claudette (Kelvin) Brackett-Anthony of Mansfield, Texas; one son, Gary Brackett of Tupelo; one sister, Sadie Brown of Tupelo; two brothers, Preston Brackett of Palmetto and Jerry Brackett of Flint, Mich.; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Willie Pearson

HOULKA – Willie A. “Wood Rat” Pearson, 86, passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. A native of Chickasaw County, he was the son of Andrew Lee Pearson and Minnie Rose Pearson. He was a member of Macedonia M.B. Church in Houlka where he was a deacon, Sunday School superintendent and treasurer. He was a World War II Army veteran. He loved to hunt and fish.

A celebration of life service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Mays Chapel M.B. Church in Pittsboro. The Rev. Arthur Lee Pearson will officiate. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Houston. Kenneth I. Roberson Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie Lee “Cat” Pearson, and three daughters, Estelle Vance, Minnie Pearson and Willie Rose Berry.

Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. today with family present from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Matt Robinson

NEW ALBANY – Matthew “Matt” Robinson, 25, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany. He was born June 16, 1988, in Tupelo to Anita Robinson. He worked in the frame department at Albany Industries.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Serenity-Simmons Chapel in New Albany with Evangelist Travis Edwards and Bishop Jeffie Smith officiating. Burial will be in Keownville Cemetery.

Survivors incllude his parents, Kenny and Anita Robinson Davis; four siblings, Christopher Robinson of Dayton, Tenn., Nathan (Silas) Davis of Norfolk, Va., Ethan Davis and Danita Robinson, both of New Albany; and his grandmothers, Angie Davis of New Albany and Joyce Robinson of Forrest City, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Larkin Robinson and Enis Davis.

TUPELO – Charles B. Hill, 74, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis after a short illness.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with burial services in Old Union Cemetery, west of Shannon. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at the W.E. Pegues Funeral Home on Jefferson Street.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.

Ruebertha Britt

NETTLETON – Ruebertha “Bae Sae” Britt, 71, died Saturday, Oct, 26, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She was born Feb. 20, 1942, to Odessa White and Fred Sims. She was a graduate of CVS High School in Chicago. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of New Prospect M.B. Church of Nettleton. She was a retiree of Sara Lee Bakery with over 20-plus years in Chicago. A very good cook, she enjoyed cooking for family and friends, loved gaming with friends, always enjoyed visiting and being around family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be at noon Saturday, Nov 2, at New Prospect M.B. Church in Nettleton with the Rev. George Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at New Prospect Cemetery. Darden & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one daughter, Tanvia Cherie Fort of Nettleton; one grandson, Markus Fields of Nettleton; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and one son, Glen Carter.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today and the family hour from 5 to 6 p.m. today. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service on Saturday.

Ishmel Campbell

BRUCE – Apostle Ishmel Campbell, 73, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He retired from Weyerhauser as a line supervisor after 25 years. He began pastoring in 1981 and in 1987 founded Church of God Our father and the Lord Jesus Christ where he remained pastor until his death. He also was a member of the Dudley and Pearson Hunting Club. His entire life revolved around serving God, his family and his community.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Jackson Chapel M.B. Church in Bruce with the Rev. Darrick Campbell (Butch) officiating. Burial will be at Church of God Our Father Cemetery in Calhoun City. Belle Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce is in charge.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Georgia Campbell; five sons, Ishmel Earl Campbell of Calhoun City, Allen V. Campbell of Water Valley, Darrick Campbell (Butch) of Waldorf, Md., Paul Campbell of Calhoun City and Daniel Campbell of Bruce; five daughters, Angela Mhoon of Calhoun City, Melodia Davis of Ecru, Gloria Holland of Calhoun City, Sahara Campbell of Bruce and Ronise Campbell of Calhoun City; two brothers, Mitchell and O.V. Campbell of Bruce; and two sisters, Rachel Herrod of Water Valley and Ann Robinson of Grenada; 23 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Church of God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in Calhoun City. Visit online at www.bellememorialfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Neblett

BALDWYN – Jerry Fay Roberts Neblett, 69, died Wednesday Oct. 30, 2013, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville after an extended illness. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She enjoyed going to church, and she dearly loved her family.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 2, at Kesler Funeral Home Chapel in Baldwyn with Bro. Terry Roberts officating. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Kesler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Pete Neblett of Baldwyn; three daughters, Felisa Kesler and Delisa Sanders, both of Baldwyn, and Alicia Hatfield (Joey) of Booneville; four grandchildren, Neketa Kesler (Jonathan Taylor) of Guntown, Coty Kesler (Corie) of Booneville, Kasey Sanders (Devin) of Baldwyn and Tristian Hatfield of Booneville; two brothers, Bobby Roberts and Charlie Roberts (Shelby), both of Baldwyn; seven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and special friends, Margrette Dykes, Norma Whitfield and Sandi Covington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruble and Bessie Roberts; one sister; one nephew; and one great-grandaughter, Miley Kesler.

Pallbearers will be Neal, Buddy, Charles Buddy Roberts and Brad Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Kerry Sanders and Joey Hatfield.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today.

Simon Webb

OXFORD – Simon LaVois Webb, known by his friends as “Spider,” died at the Mississippi State Veterans home in Oxford on Oct. 27, 2013. Born Feb. 25, 1919, in Helena, Ark., to Walter Edward and Marie Waddell Webb, he graduated from Helena High School and attended the University of Notre Dame and the University of Mississippi prior to World War II, and received a BBA from the University of Southern Mississippi after the war.

During World War II, he served as a Marine Corps aviator in the South Pacific, flying the SBD “Dauntless Dive Bomber” and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, he flew the F7F “Tiger Cat.” After the Korean War, he transferred to the Mississippi National Guard and later to the Army Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Upon returning stateside in 1944, he married Dorothy Ann Thompson of Laurel and settled in Laurel after World War II.

He was employed by Masonite Corporation in Laurel, and Towanda, Pa. He joined U.S. Plywood in Oxford and retired from Champion International in Stamford, Conn. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, The Roundtable Writers Group and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ann Webb, and is survived by a son, Tom Webb and wife, Beth, of Collierville, Tenn.; a daughter, Sally Webb Boteler and husband, Randy, of Upper Arlington, Ohio; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Joseph A. Webb of Virginia Beach, Va.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with visitation afterward in the Parish Hall. Waller Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of arrangements.

AURORA, Ill. – Jerry R. Jordan, 72, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at Seasons Hospice in Naperville, Ill. He was born Jan. 21, 1941, in Pontotoc. He was a die-hard Cardinals fan. He was an avid golfer and a seasoned gardener. He enjoyed reading, fishing and playing poker. He was employed by Dick’s Vending Service for over 20 years before retiring in 2005. He was currently working for Aurora Township. He was an active member of the Moose No. 400, Turners Club, Amvets and the Irish Club. He was dearly loved by many and will be missed by those who knew him.

CORINTH – Willard Lucille Box Phillips, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Landmark Nursing Home in Booneville. Burial will be in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to service time Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Gideons.

Visit www.magnoliafuneralhome.net to leave condolences.

Junior White

BOONEVILLE – Junior Wayne White, 74, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1938, in Tippah County to James Franklin “Bay” White and Lois Beatrice Vick White. He was a truck driver and a member of the Church of Christ. He enjoyed working on tractors and farming.

Services will be at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 1, at the Booneville Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Jerry Childs officiating. Burial will be in Pisgah Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Bridges White, whom he married Dec. 24, 1956; a son, Kenneth Wayne White (Bernice) of Pisgah; three daughters, Betty Livingston (Jerry), Mary Miller (Windell), all of Booneville, and Elizabeth Jackson (Dewey) of Pisgah; two brothers, James White (Betty) and William White, all of Jumpertown; a sister, Clara Hall (Charles) of Baldwyn; six grandchildren, Jason Livingston, Timothy Jackson, April Whitehead, Justin Jackson, Carey Miller and Kevin White; four great-grandchildren, Hunter, Logan and Brady Jackson, and Lucas Whitehead; a special cousin, Doug White; and a special nephew, Wilburn White.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Franklin White; and two grandchildren, Jeffery Livingston and Memory Miller.

ABERDEEN – Martha Howell Bradley, 84, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at her residence. She was born March 6, 1929, in Aberdeen to Horace Greely Howell and Maggie Lou Cockerham Howell. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Aberdeen First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Ladies Golf Association at the Aberdeen Golf and Country Club and a member of the Wednesday Afternoon Bridge Club for 63 years.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at the Aberdeen First United Methodist Church with Bro. Truman Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Oddfellows Rest Cemetery. Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home of Aberdeen is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph E. Bradley of Aberdeen; one daughter, Gail Bradley Bell and husband, David, of Houston, Texas; one son, Ralph E. Bradley Jr. of Aberdeen; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Howell. and one brother. H.G. Howell Jr.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at McBride Funeral Home in Ripley. Burial will be in Ripley Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 7 a.m. to service time Saturday at the church.

To view and sign the online guestbook, visit www.mcbridefuneralhome.com.

Ethel Reece

BOONEVILLE – Ethel Reece, 92, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at her daughter’s home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Booneville Funeral Home.

Ruth McCollum

TUPELO – Ruth Louise Colbert McCollum, 75, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She was born March 29, 1938, to R.A. Colbert and Lesbya Davis Colbert in Trebloc. She was a graduate of Houston High School. She retired as hotel manager at Holliday Terrace. She loved her pets, Mac and Gizmo, and the MSU Bulldogs.

A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Mac McCollum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LeBonheur Hospital, Tupelo Humane Society Building Fund, Create Houston High School Class of 1956.

You can sign the register and send condolences online at www.tisdalelannmemorial.com.

Hubert Pegues Sr.

PONTOTOC – Hubert Pegues Sr., 81, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford. He was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Lafayette County to Edgar and Jessie Berry Pegues.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Pontotoc. Burial will be in Piney Grove Cemetery at Pontotoc. Serenity-Autry Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements.

HICKORY FLAT – Edwin Sherwood Gabbert, 71, died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Methodist Hospital at Olive Branch. He was born Jan. 7, 1942, in Owensboro, Ky., to Virgil and Lucy Tucker Gabbert. He was a truck driver and a Marine Corps veteran.

Services will be at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 1, at Holly Springs Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery at Hickory Flat.